Orthodontic hook assembly and appliance

ABSTRACT

An orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire and a hook for receiving an elastic member. The hook is movable from a first position when the elastic is not positioned about the hook to a second position when the elastic member is positioned about the hook. In one embodiment, the orthodontic appliance includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and to the hook, and a second wire connected to the tube and to at least one of the brackets. In another embodiment, magnets are secured to the arch wire. One of the magnets can pivot about the arch wire and includes a hook attached thereto. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a clamp secured to the arch wire, a hook and a wire. The wire is secured to the clamp and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, an arch wire, a hook and a wire segment. The wire segment is connected to one of the brackets and the hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by an elastic member. One of the brackets includes a slot and the wire segment extends into the slot. In another embodiment, an orthodontic appliance includes brackets, a tube and an arch wire extending through the brackets and tube. A spring loaded hook is connected to the clamp by a hinge.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to orthodontic appliances and, inparticular, to hooks for securing elastic members to orthodontic braces.

Orthodontic braces are well known. Typically, braces include one or morebrackets secured to the teeth of the patient. The brackets may besecured in a number of ways. One manner of securing the brackets is toadhere them to the surface of the teeth with a suitable adhesive.Alternatively, the brackets may be secured to the teeth by attachingthem to a series of bands that encircle the individual teeth. Once thebrackets are secured to the teeth, it is typical to install what isknown as an arch wire through the brackets. The arch wire may extendthrough slots in some or all of the brackets and be anchored at each endto a bracket secured to one of the patient's molars.

Often, elastic members in the form of small rubber bands are utilized toapply additional tension to the braces, which in turn transmit thetension to the teeth. Typically, a pair of hooks is provided forsecuring the elastic member to the braces. One hook is typically locatedon the lower set of braces and one on the upper set of braces. Theelastic member is secured about one hook and then stretched and securedabout the second hook so as to extend from the upper set of braces tothe lower set of braces.

The elastics are usually applied by the patient and are periodicallychanged. For example, the elastics are typically removed when thepatient brushes his or her teeth and new ones are put on. Sometimes, theelastics will break or become disengaged from the braces and fall out.In these instances, new elastics are again applied by the patient.

Orthodontists have found that patients do not always replace theirelastics once they have been removed for a given reason. For example, itis not unusual for younger wearers of braces, such as teenagers, to failto wear their elastics. Thus, the patient's treatment may be prolongedbecause the proper tension is not being applied to the braces in theabsence of the elastics.

The present invention provides orthodontic hook assemblies that positionthe hooks such that they contact the interior of the patient's mouth andcause discomfort when the elastics are not applied to the hooks. Whenthe elastics are applied, the hooks move to positions in which they donot contact the interior of the patient's mouth.

These and other features of the present invention are attained by anorthodontic appliance having a plurality of brackets, an arch wireconnected to the brackets and hooks for receiving an elastic member. Oneor more of the hooks are movable from a first position when the elasticmember is not positioned about the hook to a second position when theelastic member is positioned about the hook. The hook extends in thelabial direction when the elastic member is not positioned about thehook and in the incisal direction when the elastic member is positionedabout the hook.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the orthodonticappliance further includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tubeconnected to the clamp and to the hook, and a second wire connected tothe tube and to at least one of the brackets. The second wire may be ashape memory wire.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, theorthodontic appliance includes a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, atube connected to the clamp and a second wire extending into the tube.The tube and second wire are bent to form the hook.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an orthodontic appliancefurther includes two magnets. The first is secured to the hook and thesecond is secured to the arch wire. The arch wire extends through thefirst magnet and the first magnet is pivotable about the arch wire.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an orthodonticappliance includes a plurality of brackets, an arch wire extendingthrough the brackets, a clamp secured to the arch wire, a hook and awire having a first end secured to the clamp and a second end secured tothe hook. The hook is movable in response to a force applied by anelastic member from a first position in which the hook extends in thelabial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in theincisal direction.

In one embodiment, the wire extends in the labial direction. In anotherembodiment, the wire extends in the distal and mesial directions.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an orthodonticappliance includes a plurality of brackets, an arch wire secured to thebrackets, a hook and a wire segment. The wire segment is connected toone of the brackets and the hook. The hook is movable in response to aforce applied by an elastic member from a first position in which thehook extends in the labial direction to a second position in which thehook extends in the incisal direction. One of the brackets includes aslot and the wire segment extends into the slot.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, anorthodontic appliance includes a plurality of brackets and at least onetube. An arch wire extends through the brackets and the tube. A hook ispivotally connected to the tube. The hook is secured to the tube by ahinge and is spring loaded. Alternatively, the hook can be held in placemagnetically.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an orthodontic hook assembly accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according tothe present invention utilizing the hook assembly of FIG. 1, without anelastic member secured thereto.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.2 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontichook assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according tothe present invention utilizing the hook assembly of FIG. 4, without anelastic member secured thereto.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.5 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodontichook assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according tothe present invention utilizing the hook assembly of FIG. 7, without anelastic member secured thereto.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.8 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodonticappliance according to the present invention, without an elastic membersecured thereto.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.10 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodonticappliance according to the present invention, without an elastic membersecured thereto.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.12 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIGS. 14a-14d illustrate another embodiment of an orthodontic hookassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according tothe present invention utilizing the hook assembly of FIGS. 14a-14d,without an elastic member secured thereto.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.15 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodonticappliance according to the present invention, without an elastic membersecured thereto.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.17 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodonticappliance according to the present invention, without an elastic membersecured thereto.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.19 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an orthodonticappliance according to the present invention, without an elastic membersecured thereto.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the orthodontic appliance shown in FIG.21 with an elastic member secured to the hook assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a orthodontic hook assembly according tothe present invention. Assembly 10 generally includes clamp 20, tube 30and hook 40. In the embodiment shown, clamp 20 is a generally c-shapedmember having an outer surface 21, an inner surface 22, a first end 23and a second end 24. A slot 25 is cut through outer surface 21 and innersurface 22. A bore 26 extends through clamp 20. Note, however, thatclamp 20 does not have to have the shape shown in FIG. 1. Nor does itneed to include a slot. Clamp 20 may have various configurations thatallow clamp 20 to be secured to the arch wire in either a fixed orpivotable manner, as desired and described below. Various alternativedesigns of clamps are described below and illustrated in other figures.

Tube 30 includes an outer surface 31, an inner surface 32, a first end33 and a second end 34. A bore 35 extends through tube 30. Outer surface31 of tube 30 is joined to outer surface 21 of clamp 20 by welding,although other methods may be used.

Hook 40 includes a first segment 41 extending radially outward fromouter surface 31 of tube 30 and a second segment 42 disposed at agenerally right angle to first segment 41. Second segment 42 extends ingenerally the same direction as the axes of bores 26 and 35 andterminates in a free end 43. Hook 40 is secured to outer surface 31 oftube 30 by welding or other means.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance according tothe present invention utilizing the orthodontic hook assembly shown inFIG. 1. Hook assembly 10 is shown secured to a patient's braces. Thebraces typically include a plurality of brackets 100 secured to theteeth 101 with an arch wire 102 extending through brackets 100. Archwire 102 also extends through bore 26 of clamp 20. Clamp 20 is thencrimped such that slot 25 is closed. This prevents clamp 20 fromdisengaging arch wire 102. Note, however, that clamp 20 should not becrimped such that it is fixed in a stationary position on arch wire 102.Rather, clamp 20 must be free to rotate about arch wire 102.

A second wire segment 50 is connected to some of the brackets 100. Wiresegment 50 is preferably a shape memory wire made from a nickel-titaniumalloy or another resilient wire. One end of wire 50 extends into bore 35of tube 30. Tube 30 is then crimped such that it is securely fastened towire segment 50 and does not rotate about wire segment 50. Wire segment50 is shaped and installed such that it holds hook 40 in the positionshown, that is extending in the labial direction, when no elastic memberis secured to hook 40.

When an elastic member 60 is secured about hook 40 and stationary hook104 secured to lower arch wire 103, as shown in FIG. 3, or,alternatively, to a stationary hook on a molar tube, the force appliedby elastic member 60 causes clamp 20 to pivot about arch wire 102 suchthat hook 40 extends downwardly in the incisal direction. When elasticmember 60 is removed, wire segment 50 will return to its originalposition, thus causing clamp 20 to pivot about arch wire 102 and returnhook 40 to its original position extending in the labial direction. Inthis manner, if the patient does not wear his or her elastics, hook 40will protrude in the labial direction and poke the inside of thepatient's mouth. This causes discomfort and encourages the patient toapply the elastics such that hook 40 pivots to the incisal direction andis no longer irritating the inside of the mouth.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assemblyaccording to the present invention. Hook assembly 200 generally includesa clamp 220, wire 230 and hook 240. In the embodiment shown, clamp 220has an outer surface 221, an inner surface 222, a first end 223 and asecond end 224. Clamp 220 is generally c-shaped and includes a slot 225cut through outer surface 221 and inner surface 222. A bore 226 extendsthrough clamp 220. Again, the clamp can be any one of a number ofconfigurations. For example, slot 225 can be eliminated.

Wire 230 is a resilient wire, preferably made from a shape memorynickel-titanium alloy. Wire 230 includes a first end 231 and a secondend 232. Wire 230 is secured to the exterior surface 221 of clamp 220 bywelding or other means. Wire 230 extends in generally the same directionas the axis of bore 226.

Hook 240 includes a first segment 241 generally coaxial with wire 230and secured to second end 232 thereof. A second segment 242 of hook 240extends from first segment 241 at a generally right angle thereto. Thirdsegment 243 of hook 240 extends from the opposite end of second segment242 at a generally right angle thereto, generally parallel to wire 230,and terminates in free end 244.

FIG. 5 shows the hook assembly of FIG. 4 secured to orthodontic braceswithout an elastic member applied to hook 240. In this embodiment, clamp220 is crimped about arch wire 102 such that it cannot rotate withrespect to arch wire 102. In this position, hook 240 extends outwardlyin the labial direction. When an elastic member 60 is applied to hook240 (FIG. 6), the resulting force bends wire 230 downwardly such thathook 240 extends in the incisal direction. When elastic member 60 isremoved, wire 230 springs back to its original position and hook 240extends once again in the labial direction.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assemblyaccording to the present invention. Hook assembly 300 generally includesa clamp 320, wire 330 and hook 340. In the embodiment shown, clamp 320has an outer surface 321, an inner surface 322, a first end 323 and asecond end 324. Clamp 320 is generally c-shaped and includes a slot 325cut through outer surface 321 and inner surface 322. A bore 326 extendsthrough clamp 320.

Wire 330 is a resilient wire, preferably made from a nickel-titaniumshape memory alloy. Wire 330 includes a first end 331 and a second end332. Wire 330 is secured to the exterior surface 321 of clamp 320 bywelding or other means. Wire 330 extends generally perpendicularly tothe longitudinal axis of bore 326.

Hook 340 includes a first segment 341 generally coaxial with wire 330and secured to second end 332 thereof. A second segment 342 of hook 340extends from first segment 341 at a generally right angle thereto andterminates in a free end 343.

FIG. 8 shows the hook assembly of FIG. 7 secured to orthodontic braceswithout an elastic member applied to hook 340. In this embodiment, clamp320 is crimped about arch wire 102 such that it cannot rotate withrespect to arch wire 102. In this position, hook 340 extends outwardlyin a labial direction. When an elastic member 60 is applied to hook 340(FIG. 9), the resulting force bends wire 330 downwardly such that hook340 extends in the incisal direction. When elastic member 60 is removed,wire 330 springs back to its original position and hook 340 extends onceagain in the labial direction.

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of an orthodontic hook assemblyaccording to the present invention. In this embodiment, hook assembly400 generally includes a wire 410 and a hook 420. Wire 410 includes afirst segment 411 having a free end 412 and a second en that transitionsinto a second segment 413 disposed at a generally right angle to firstsegment 411. Second segment 413 terminates in a second end 414. Wire 410is preferably made from a resilient material or a nickel-titanium shapememory alloy.

Hook 420 includes a first segment 421 extending generally coaxial withsecond segment 413 of wire 410 and a second segment 422 extending at agenerally right angle to first segment 421. Second segment 422terminates in a free end 423.

In use, first end 412 of first segment 411 is inserted through a slot501 in a bracket 500 and secured therein. In this manner, hook 420extends in the labial direction and contacts the interior of thepatient's mouth when an elastic member is not applied to hook 420. Whenan elastic member 60 is applied (FIG. 11), wire 410 bends as shown andhook 420 extends in the incisal direction so as not to irritate theinterior of the patient's mouth. Again, when elastic member 60 isremoved, wire 410 returns to its original position such that hook 420extends in the labial direction.

FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, a second wire 600 is positioned over arch wire 102 andsecured to brackets 100 by ligature ties. Each end of second wire 600terminates in a hook 610. Hook 610 includes a first segment 611 thatextends generally perpendicular to end 601 of wire 600. Hook 610 furtherincludes a second segment 612 disposed generally perpendicular to firstsegment 611. Second segment 612 terminates in a free end 613.

As can be seen in FIG. 13, when elastic member 60 is placed around hook610 and stationary hook 104, hook 610 bends downward in the incisaldirection. In this manner, as with the other embodiments, hook 610 willnot poke the inside of the patient's mouth as long as the elastics arein place.

FIGS. 14a-14d show yet another embodiment of an orthodontic hookassembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a shapememory wire 700 is inserted into a tube 701. Tube 701 is then crimped asshown at 702 to secure tube 701 to wire 700. Wire 700 and tube 701 arethen bent in the form of a hook as shown in FIG. 14c. Tube 701 is thensecured to a clamp 703 as shown in FIG. 14d. To install the hookassembly shown in FIGS. 14a-14d, clamp 703 is placed about arch wire 102so that it is free to rotate as described above in conjunction with theembodiment of FIG. 1. Wire 700 extends through the brackets of thebraces. In this manner, the hook assembly will pivot between a positionin which it pokes the inside of the mouth (FIG. 15) and one in which itdoes not (FIG. 16) depending upon whether or not the patient is wearinghis or her elastics.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show still another embodiment of an orthodontic hookassembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, amagnet 800 is positioned on arch wire 102 and is free to rotatethereabout. A hook 802 extends from magnet 800. A second magnet 801 ispositioned on arch wire 102 adjacent first magnet 800 and is fixed sothat it cannot rotate. The magnets are aligned such that the north poleof one magnet is adjacent the south pole of the other magnet. In thismanner, the magnetic forces of attraction between magnets 800 and 801hold hook 802 in the position shown in FIG. 17. When elastic member 60is applied to hook 802 (FIG. 18), the force of the elastic memberovercomes the magnetic force and causes magnet 800 to rotate as shownsuch that hook 802 is no longer irritating the inside of the patient'smouth. When elastic member 60 is removed, the magnetic force willrestore hook 802 to the position shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, arch wire 103 passes through a molar tube 900 securedto a base 901. Base 901 is secured to tooth 101. A hook 902 extends inthe gingival direction from tube 900. Hook 902 is pivotally secured totube 900 as by a hinge 903. The hook 902 is spring loaded such that itextends as shown in FIG. 19 when elastic member 60 is not secured tohook 902. Alternatively, hook 902 may be held in the position shown bymagnetic force. When elastic member 60 is applied to hook 902 (FIG. 20),hook 902 pivots as shown so as not to irritate the interior of thepatient's mouth. In this embodiment, the opposite end of elastic member60 is secured to a stationary hook positioned on the upper molars.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show an occlusal view of yet another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, arch wire 103 extends through amolar tube 1000 secured to a base 1001. Base 1001 is secured to tooth100 such that hook 1002 extends in the labial direction. Hook 1002 isspring loaded and is pivotally secured to tube 1000 by a hinge 1003.Without an elastic on hook 1002, the hook pokes the inside of thepatient's mouth. When elastic member 60 is secured to hook 1002, itpivots as shown in FIG. 22.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, itis to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration andexample only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Numerouschanges can be made to the embodiments shown without departing from thescope of the invention. For example, the clamps, hooks and othercomponents illustrated can be of shapes other than those shown. Also,more than one movable hook assembly may be employed. For example, twosuch assemblies, one on each side of the patient's mouth, may be used.Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention are to be limitedonly by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:a pluralityof brackets; an arch wire connected to the plurality of brackets; and ahook for receiving the elastic member, the hook being movable from afirst position wherein the hook extends in the labial or buccaldirection when the elastic member is not positioned about the hook to asecond position wherein the hook extends in the occlusal or incisaldirection when the elastic member is positioned about the hook.
 2. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a clamppivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and to thehook, and a second wire connected to the tube.
 3. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 1, further comprising a second wire securedto the hook.
 4. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 3, whereinthe second wire is a shape memory wire.
 5. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 3, further comprising a tube connected to the hookand wherein the second wire extends into the tube.
 6. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 5, wherein the second wire is connected tothe tube.
 7. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 3, wherein thesecond wire is connected to at least one of the brackets.
 8. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 3, wherein the second wire isresilient.
 9. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1, furthercomprising a clamp connected to the hook and wherein the arch wireextends into the clamp.
 10. The orthodontic appliance according to claim9, wherein the clamp is pivotable about the arch wire.
 11. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 1 further comprising a clamppivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and asecond wire extending into the tube.
 12. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 11 wherein the tube and second wire are bent to formthe hook.
 13. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 1 furthercomprising a first magnet secured to the hook and a second magnetsecured to the arch wire.
 14. The orthodontic appliance according toclaim 13 wherein the arch wire extends through the first magnet.
 15. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 13 wherein the first magnet ispivotable about the arch wire.
 16. An orthodontic appliance,comprising:a plurality of brackets; an arch wire extending through thebrackets; a clamp secured to the arch wire; a hook; and a wire segmenthaving a first end secured to the clamp and a second end secured to thehook, wherein the hook is movable in response to a force applied by anelastic member from a first position in which the hook extends in thelabial direction to a second position in which the hook extends in theincisal direction.
 17. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 16,wherein the wire segment extends in the labial direction.
 18. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 16, wherein the wire segmentextends in the distal and mesial directions.
 19. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 16, wherein the wire segment is resilient.20. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 16, wherein the clampcomprises a generally c-shaped member.
 21. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 16, wherein the clamp is crimped about the arch wire.22. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:a plurality of brackets; anarch wire secured to the brackets; a hook; a wire segment connected toone of the brackets and the hook; and wherein the hook is movable inresponse to a force applied by an elastic member from a first positionin which the hook extends in the labial direction to a second positionin which the hook extends in the incisal direction.
 23. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 22, further comprising a slot in one of thebrackets and wherein the wire segment extends into the slot.
 24. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 22, wherein the wire segmentincludes a first portion extending in the gingival-incisal direction.25. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 22, wherein the wiresegment is resilient.
 26. An orthodontic appliance comprising:aplurality of brackets; at least one tube; an arch wire extending throughthe brackets and the tube; and a hook pivotally connected to the tube.27. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 26 wherein the hook issecured to the tube by a hinge.
 28. The orthodontic appliance accordingto claim 26 wherein the hook is spring loaded.
 29. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 26 wherein the hook is held in position bya magnet when there is no elastic member applied to the hook.
 30. Anorthodontic appliance, comprising:a plurality of brackets; an arch wireconnected to the plurality of brackets; a clamp pivotable about the archwire; a hook for receiving an elastic member, the hook being movablefrom a first position when the elastic member is not positioned aboutthe hook to a second position when the elastic member is positionedabout the hook; a tube connected to the clamp and to the hook; and asecond wire connected to the tube.
 31. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 30, wherein the hook extends in the labial or buccaldirection when the elastic member is not positioned about the hook. 32.The orthodontic appliance according to claim 30, wherein the hookextends in the incisal direction when the elastic member is positionedabout the hook.
 33. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 30,wherein the second wire is a shape memory wire.
 34. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 30, further comprising a tube connected tothe hook and wherein the second wire extends into the tube.
 35. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 30, wherein the second wire isconnected to at least one of the brackets.
 36. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 30, wherein the second wire is resilient.
 37. Anorthodontic appliance, comprising:a plurality of brackets; an arch wireconnected to the plurality of brackets; a hook for receiving an elasticmember, the hook being movable from a first position when the elasticmember is not positioned about the hook to a second position when theelastic member is positioned about the hook; and a second wire securedto the hook.
 38. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 37 whereinthe second wire is a shape memory wire.
 39. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 37, further comprising a tube connected to the hookand wherein the second wire extends into the tube.
 40. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 37, wherein the second wire is connected tothe tube.
 41. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 37, whereinthe second wire is connected to at least one of the brackets.
 42. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 37, wherein the second wire isresilient.
 43. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 37, furthercomprising a clamp pivotable about the arch wire, a tube connected tothe clamp and to the hook, and wherein the second wire is connected tothe tube.
 44. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 37, whereinthe hook extends in the labial or buccal direction when the elasticmember is not positioned about the hook.
 45. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 37, wherein the hook extends in the incisal directionwhen the elastic member is positioned about the hook.
 46. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 37, further comprising a clampconnected to the hook and wherein the arch wire extends into the clamp.47. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 46, wherein the clampis pivotable about the arch wire.
 48. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 37 further comprising a clamp pivotable about thearch wire, a tube connected to the clamp and wherein the second wireextends into the tube.
 49. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:aplurality of brackets; an arch wire connected to the plurality ofbrackets; a clamp pivotable about the arch wire; a tube connected to theclamp; a second wire extending into the tube; and a hook for receivingan elastic member, the hook being movable from a first position when theelastic member is not positioned about the hook to a second positionwhen the elastic member is positioned about the hook.
 50. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 49 wherein the tube and secondwire are bent to form the hook.
 51. The orthodontic appliance accordingto claim 49, wherein the tube is connected to the hook.
 52. Theorthodontic appliance according to claim 49, wherein the hook extends inthe labial or buccal direction when the elastic member is not positionedabout the hook.
 53. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 49,wherein the hook extends in the incisal direction when the elasticmember is positioned about the hook.
 54. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 49, wherein the second wire is a shape memory wire.55. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 49, wherein the secondwire is connected to at least one of the brackets.
 56. The orthodonticappliance according to claim 49, wherein the second wire is resilient.57. An orthodontic appliance, comprising:a plurality of brackets; anarch wire connected to the plurality of brackets; a hook for receivingan elastic member, the hook being movable from a first position when theelastic member is not positioned about the hook to a second positionwhen the elastic member is positioned about the hook; a first magnetsecured to the hook; and a second magnet secured to the arch wire. 58.The orthodontic appliance according to claim 57 wherein the arch wireextends through the first magnet.
 59. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 57 wherein the first magnet is pivotable about thearch wire.
 60. The orthodontic appliance according to claim 57, whereinthe hook extends in the labial or buccal direction when the elasticmember is not positioned about the hook.
 61. The orthodontic applianceaccording to claim 57, wherein the hook extends in the incisal directionwhen the elastic member is positioned about the hook.